Library Pink Loves Brown

The Library Alcove’s New Storage

As my shop (Pink Loves Brown) has grown, so too has my need for more storage. The library’s alcove is right outside of my studio, so it’s a perfect place to store some of my inventory and supplies.

New Storage in the Library

The alcove used to be more pared down and it looked nice, but it didn’t really serve any function. I put four bookshelves with doors together in an ‘L’ shape, and it’s a much better use of space. The unit in the corner is only half-accessible, but it’s working out just fine.

The knobs on the doors were from Anthropologie. I bought them when we moved in for my closet before we decided to use sliding doors, but they were so pretty that I decided keep them. I had never found the right spot for them until now.

Also, note that I finally found an Orla Kiely pitcher (that I’m using as a vase) in green! I thought it was going to be yellow from the photos I had seen, but the green is nice.

Orla Kiely Vase

And because I know someone will ask if I don’t source them… Those are dried billy buttons in the vase. I bought two big bunches a while back, and they’re always showing up in various spots all around the house.

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

You Might Also Like...

  • jodi
    March 9, 2009 at 8:03 am

    looks fabulous!

  • Michelle
    March 9, 2009 at 8:15 am

    More pictures! More pictures! Is that black paint? So chic! Where did you get the lovely black lamp? I just love that space!

  • Vixel
    March 9, 2009 at 8:27 am

    I really like this, what a fabulous idea!

  • Dionne C
    March 9, 2009 at 8:32 am

    This looks really great! I love all your contrasting colors, and how they all tie in nicely.

    Like a well put-together outfit! Not too matchy-matchy, but just enough to look cohesive. Great!

  • michelle
    March 9, 2009 at 9:19 am

    wow, i am always impressed. those knobs really dress up the ikea bookcases, at first glance you would never guess that they are from ikea.

  • Nancy D.
    March 9, 2009 at 9:22 am

    Hey! Not everything in your house is pink and girly! Just teasing Nicole! I love every spot of your gorgeous home :)

  • Averill
    March 9, 2009 at 9:23 am

    Looks great! And that Orla Kiely pitcher is actually a lot larger than I imagined from the photos. Very nice.

  • luuvely
    March 9, 2009 at 9:29 am

    very very nice…the vase…the knobs..and the flowers reeeeally are great little details that bring the space together…very very nice..

  • lyngweeny
    March 9, 2009 at 9:31 am

    What color is that on your walls?

  • life a colorful life
    March 9, 2009 at 9:55 am

    I just love the clean and classic look, and also the color on your walls. And where did you get the very cool circle/ovals on the stand?

  • bungalowbliss
    March 9, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Oh, I can only hope to be half as resourceful as you. So, so nice–just a perfect use of the space. Bravo.

  • Shashi
    March 9, 2009 at 10:19 am

    Looks great. Hey any tips on taking pictures of your house? You really seem to get the lighting and the colors right – it seems so rich.

  • Michele
    March 9, 2009 at 10:59 am

    Just Fabulous!

    I just have to know where you got the pillow and that white square stand decoration next to the lamp?

    Thanks!

  • Marian
    March 9, 2009 at 11:02 am

    Love the pictures. Did you buy the effektiv storage combination with doors and just swap the doors out with the white ones? I don’t see your exact combo on Ikea’s website.
    Thanks!

  • Bryn
    March 9, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Looks amazing! You’re going to kill me (because I always ask you for paint colors) but do you mind sharing what paint that is? I ADORE it.

    Thanks!
    Bryn

  • Natalie
    March 9, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Ok WOW this space is great! Funcational AND fabulous! And I loooove the billy buttons! :)

  • ChanelD
    March 9, 2009 at 11:25 am

    Are the doors high-gloss white? or just white? Everything looks lovely!

    ChanelD

  • keri
    March 9, 2009 at 11:40 am

    Someone asked about the circles/ovals already, but I would like to chime in and ask also about the white square decoration by your lamp. They are the same sort of style, floating shape on base… I love them! I also think I saw a similar one in your living room. Where do you find these neat things?

  • Eefje
    March 9, 2009 at 11:55 am

    Hey Nicole,
    I haven’t got any questions..
    Just want to say that your blog is always so inspiring and happy!
    And the first thing that came to my mind by looking at these pictures… Yellow loves Black.. (or is it more brownish?)

  • Rachel B.
    March 9, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    It looks great!

  • kim de montreal
    March 9, 2009 at 12:10 pm

    BILLY BUTTONS!! Thank you for sourcing these, I’ve been meaning to ask you for ages. And although I’m an avid gardener, I have never heard of these and have no idea where I can find them dried in Canada, but i will.
    The room looks great :)

  • Making it Lovely
    March 9, 2009 at 12:34 pm

    The wall color is a very deep brown: “Afternoon Tea” from Pittsburgh Paints. The lamp was from CB2 years ago (it’s by Robert Abbey), the white wooden decoration next to it was from Target (by Victoria Hagan), and the wooden ovals were from west elm. The bookshelves are black-brown high units, and I bought the high gloss white doors. Everything is purchased separately in the system – you don’t have to buy them in combinations as shown on IKEA’s website.

  • Making it Lovely
    March 9, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    Oh, and as far as photography tips… I don’t really have any! I use a tripod and I don’t use the flash, but that’s about it. I feel like I’ve been getting better simply because I’ve been practicing. I look back at some of my earlier photos and I think they look horrible! Give me another two years and I’ll probably think the same thing about the photos I’m taking now. ;)

  • amy purple
    March 9, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    You always make such good use of spaces. Can we do a ctrl+c and ctrl+v into my brain?

  • valleyflowercompany.blogspot.com
    March 9, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    Hi there,
    just a tip about the billys…
    they are in flower shops now and will be for most of the summer and into the fall. I find the best thing to do is actually buy them fresh and just let them dry in a vase. they really are the best thing going.

  • JTay
    March 9, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    I really like the dark colour in a small space. Do you find it OK to live with over time?

  • Michelle
    March 9, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    LOVE the knobs, I can see why you kept them.

  • Tracy
    March 9, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    Your house is amazing! You have done a fantastic job. I love how put together and showroom quality it all is. I wish my little bungalow had that much style, but then I would need your style! Wow. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

  • Melissa
    March 9, 2009 at 8:35 pm

    I have been following your blog for a while and I just love your home! I love the billy buttons and was wondering how long they last for?

  • My First Kitchen
    March 10, 2009 at 7:00 am

    You busy next week? I know you’re pregnant and all, but if you’re willing to take a road trip, my home office is halfway to its “after” process. I’d love your help. You in? Awesome. I’ll make you some pie.

  • dawbis
    March 10, 2009 at 8:44 am

    i love the way you decorate! this is such a beautiful place!

  • Lola
    March 10, 2009 at 8:52 am

    Your place is looking lovelier and lovelier each time i pay a visit. Congratulations!

  • sue@solsticehome
    March 10, 2009 at 10:11 am

    so well done…as usual! love the color combination

  • Laura
    March 10, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    OK, I clearly need to make the trek out to the Target in Brooklyn…that vase/pitcher is awesome!

  • Norma Kennedy
    March 10, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    U have such a lovely site…found my way here from Cuteable.
    Thank u for sharing….so much inspiration here !

  • Keren @ ChicTip
    March 10, 2009 at 6:18 pm

    I must say – I like it better now!
    It looks great!

  • Jennifer Moewis
    March 11, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Hi!!! I´m fan of your blog, it´s lovely. And your home is so beautiful and stylish omg!!!!! Congratulations for your baby!!!

  • Renae
    March 11, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    The whole look is fabulous…the door pulls are awesome…great detail. Kudos!

  • kate (pm)
    March 12, 2009 at 10:57 am

    I so LOVE those knobs! They look fantastic!

    sigh …I wish I had seen them in the Anthro near me. I’d have held on to them, too.

  • Mefi
    March 13, 2009 at 9:24 am

    your home is beautiful!

  • Rosa
    March 14, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    What kind of Camera do you use?

  • paola
    March 27, 2009 at 10:18 am

    I love your style so much! it’s so clean! it’s perfect.Paola

  • paola
    March 27, 2009 at 10:20 am

    I love so much your style. it’s so cleen..and perfect!!

  • lori
    June 23, 2009 at 4:02 pm

    I love these. How did you finish the bottom if you bought the upper cabinet add ons?